John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the motion and recognise the sincerity of Deputy Kathleen Lynch in moving it. I recognise that it is not the usual political motion. It is obvious a national strategy should be put in place, rather than relying on one centre, although we know of the excellence of the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire over many years. Times have moved on, however, and while we have always paid fulsome tribute to the excellent care in the national hospital, there are just 120 beds there while the population and its demands are growing. The possibility of acquiring greater technological supports must be embraced.

I see the merit of the Minister's response in the debate where she referred to the never before achieved level of funding of €15 billion allocated to the national health services, €30 million of which was allocated to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, which I support. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Devins, to the House. Since his appointment, he has met the Joint Committee on Health and Children on several occasions and while he was a member of the committee he gave full support to the need for more than one centre in Dún Laoghaire. In that context, I am glad the Minister referred to the possibility of a satellite unit linking the National Rehabilitation Hospital and Beaumont Hospital, which must be the way forward.

More important has been the commitment and time put into the development of a new hospital, which will possibly be in Dublin, although some colleagues suggest it should be located elsewhere. Whether it is located in Dublin or outside it, I welcome the fact that we will have a centre similar to the excellent centre in Dún Laoghaire and I hope nothing stands in its way. I fully appreciate that deals have been struck and planning permission is apparently about to be lodged. The fact that this is part of the Government programme Towards 2016 convinces me this is for real. It is the response to the motion and is a genuine attempt to provide the most up-to-date skills and services.

The Minister of State's new brief includes responsibility in this area. Having heard the Minister of State, Deputy Devins, and read his recent speeches, I know the political commitment is there. I will not waffle about what funding is available in the health services. I believe the Government recognises that while we have to date tried to have the best level of services, far more can be done and will be done. In that context, I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Harney, on explaining this to the House yesterday and giving clear commitments on funding and the level of medical supports.

I recognise we have a great need for another hospital to deal with the issue of spinal and brain injuries. An issue which causes huge difficulty for politicians is that of trying to secure a bed for a person who has had a serious accident. This calls into focus the involvement of politicians, which should not be necessary. I hope we can move on in light of the commitment by the Government to provide the best level of services.

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